Preview Strade Bianche 2025 – Can Former Winners Challenge Tadej Pogacar?
The Strade Bianche is cycling at its purest: endless gravel roads, rising dust clouds, and brutal climbs. It’s pain in the legs, battling back after setbacks, outmaneuvering your rivals in the final turn, and then… the ultimate glory on the Piazza del Campo. This race is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern cycling. Who will etch their name into eternity this year? Cycling-Classics.com previews the Strade Bianche 2025 edition.
History of Strade Bianche
Despite its relatively short history, Strade Bianche has already become one of the most prestigious one-day races in cycling. The rolling Tuscan landscape, mixed with demanding gravel sectors, has made it a modern classic. The last winners are a testament to its difficulty:
- 2024 – Tadej Pogacar
- 2023 – Tom Pidcock
- 2022 – Tadej Pogacar
- 2021 – Mathieu van der Poel
- 2020 – Wout van Aert
- 2019 – Julian Alaphilippe
- 2018 – Tiesj Benoot
- 2017 – Michal Kwiatkowski
- 2016 – Fabian Cancellara
- 2015 – Zdenek Stybar
Strade Bianche 2024 Recap – Pogacar’s Dominance
Last year’s edition was a masterclass from Tadej Pogacar. On a rainy day in Tuscany, he launched an attack 81 kilometers from the finish, instantly dropping his rivals. His relentless pace saw him build a lead of over three minutes, allowing him to celebrate long before reaching the Piazza del Campo in Siena. It was Pogacar’s second solo victory in Strade Bianche after his 2022 triumph.
Behind him, Maxim Van Gils and Toms Skujins fought for the remaining podium spots. Ultimately, Skujins powered away on the Via Santa Caterina, securing second place ahead of Van Gils. Tom Pidcock and Matej Mohoric rounded out the top five.
Strade Bianche 2025 Route – Even More Challenging
The 2025 Strade Bianche will be even more grueling, with an additional gravel sector bringing the total to 16 sectors and 81.7 kilometers of dirt roads. The start and finish remain in Siena, but the inclusion of the Serravalle sector (9.3 km) will test the riders even further.
The Monte Sante Marie sector (11.5 km) remains the decisive battleground. In 2024, this is where Pogacar launched his legendary solo move. Riders will also face the brutal Le Tolfe and Colle Pinzuto climbs, with gradients exceeding 16% before the race culminates in the historic center of Siena.
Key Contenders for Strade Bianche 2025
Tadej Pogacar – The Overwhelming Favorite
Pogacar is the defending champion and the clear favorite once again. Unlike last year, he arrives in top race shape after dominating the UAE Tour in February. A third victory would put him level with record-holder Fabian Cancellara.
Tom Pidcock – The British Challenger
Pidcock, the 2023 winner, has transitioned to Q36.5 this year and has already secured multiple victories. His explosive power and technical skills make him a natural for the gravel roads, but his form in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad raised some questions.
Michal Kwiatkowski – The Veteran Contender
A two-time Strade Bianche winner (2014 & 2017), Kwiatkowski is still capable of brilliance. His solo win in the Clásica Jaén this season proves he can still shine on gravel.
Marc Hirschi – The Dark Horse
Hirschi has never cracked the top ten here, but his recent Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 victory suggests he’s in top form. Now riding for Tudor, he has more freedom to race aggressively.
Romain Grégoire – The French Hope
The young Frenchman finished eighth in 2023 and has already won the Faun-Ardèche Classic this season. He’s a rising star and a serious contender.
Other Notable Riders
- Pello Bilbao & Matej Mohoric (Bahrain Victorious) – Both have strong track records in Strade Bianche and could form a deadly duo.
- Lennert Van Eetvelt (Lotto Dstny) – An emerging talent who finished 11th last year and is in great form.
- Christian Scaroni (XDS Astana) – The most successful early-season rider, already collecting three wins in 2025.
More preview in detail or wants to read the preview of our Dutch/Flemish friends? Voorjaarsklassiekers.be publiced their voorbeschouwing Strade Bianche 2025 and their favorieten Strade Bianche 2025 special!
Strade Bianche 2025 – Race Details
📅 Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
📍 Route: Siena – Siena (213 km)
🕒 Start Time: 11:20 AM
🏁 Estimated Finish: Between 4:30 – 5:00 PM
Will Tadej Pogacar complete his hat-trick, or will a new champion rise on the white roads of Tuscany? Stay tuned for full coverage on Cycling-Classics.com!